This week I had a two experiences that were strangely juxtaposed. On Thursday morning I went with Tim Barley to visit Earle Fries, an institution at VBC and a faithful servant of Jesus for most of his 92 years. Although his health has taken a down turn, Earle continues to radiate the life of Christ. The life he and his wife Julie have lived has been one surrendered to Christ and for his purposes. As a result he has impacted hundreds, if not thousands of people, for the sake of the gospel and his legacy of faithfulness will continue to send ripples long after he stands in glory with his savior.
On Thursday afternoon I stood with my wife by the hospital bed of her uncle, who is also dying of cancer. He is several decades younger than Earle but he has no hope of eternity. Though he has heard the gospel he has never received the forgiveness of God through Christ. With only a few more days to live, he is so full of pain medication that he is not awake and lucid enough to have a conversation. His wife lovingly sits by his side while his son looks on and gives support. Though he provided for the physical and educational needs of his children, he has not been able to give them any hope of life beyond the suffering of the present world.
“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.–Psalm 39:4
It is easy to get lulled into a false sense of immortality but in reality only God knows the length of time he has given us. It would be foolish as parents to assume a false future, wasting the time we are given. Jesus puts this in perspective when he urges his followers not to worry about “tomorrow”. We trust God today for our daily bread, and obey God today. We only have to pray for our enemies today. We only have to endure persecution and suffering today. It is up to the Captain of our souls, our Creator, our Loving Father to determine our “tomorrow”.
Put a sticky note up on your bathroom mirror or in your car as a reminder: are you living out the call of obedience to Christ today? Are you clearly and accurately representing Jesus to your spouse, your children, your co-workers and neighbors today? You can’t change yesterday and Jesus says that tomorrow will take care of itself. A legacy is one day of faithfulness, followed by another for as many days as the Lord gives you.
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